The Navy has replaced the commander of the John F. Kennedy Carrier Strike Group due to unforeseen complications with a “pre-existing medical condition,” 5th Fleet spokesman Cmdr. James Graybeal said Friday.
Rear Adm. John S. Godlewski took the helm of the strike group less than six weeks ago. Rear Adm. Barry McCullough, who most recently served as the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group commander, relieved Godlewski on Wednesday.
The Norfolk, Va.-based carrier strike group is currently deployed to the Middle East in support of the war on terrorism.
The Navy flew Godlewski off the carrier to Kuwait before taking him to the United States for additional care, Graybeal said. He could not give any details about the medical condition because of privacy concerns.
It was not known if Godlewski will be able to return to duty or the carrier group.
Godlewski is a Connecticut native. He graduated from the University of New Haven in 1974. He was designated a naval flight officer in June 1997 and went on to fly A-6 aircraft before his rise to the admiral rank.
He has previously served as chief of staff for the Commander, Second Fleet and as deputy chief of staff for Resources, Requirements and Assessments for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The John F. Kennedy Strike Group includes an aircraft carrier, four destroyers, two frigates, two cruisers, one fast combat support ship and one submarine.
